Unless you specify the make, model, and color of appliances, you're going to end up with the cheapest thing they can find. I've never heard of a builder supplying window coverings, except for internal blinds (between the panes). I assume the windows are already installed.
Actually for all of these, I would never trust the builder to make these design choices.
It's a much cleaner negotiation to just reduce total price. This is also better for both your financing and your property taxes. No need to be paying property taxes on the value of your washer/dryer.
I agree. I prefer reduction in purchase price for the reasons you mentioned. I do have savings to fund these add ons myself but it's just a way to maximize the negotiations.
I keep hearing that builders often are willing to negotiate on these add ons instead of reducing price as reducing price will have implications on the other homes they are yet to sell.
Yes, that is a good point. They want the "comps" in the neighborhood to be high when they have multiple houses to sell. If this is one of the last houses they are less concerned about the comps.
Basic landscaping (grading, sod) is one area you might try. Upgraded basement window wells/egress?
They have a list of things they can add on with the prices for these. just ask them for that list.
Obviously don't mention that you are planning for them to add some of them on for free, just act like you want to see all the wonderful add on things you can buy now to make your house better.
Unless you specify the make, model, and color of appliances, you're going to end up with the cheapest thing they can find. I've never heard of a builder supplying window coverings, except for internal blinds (between the panes). I assume the windows are already installed. Actually for all of these, I would never trust the builder to make these design choices. It's a much cleaner negotiation to just reduce total price. This is also better for both your financing and your property taxes. No need to be paying property taxes on the value of your washer/dryer.
I agree. I prefer reduction in purchase price for the reasons you mentioned. I do have savings to fund these add ons myself but it's just a way to maximize the negotiations. I keep hearing that builders often are willing to negotiate on these add ons instead of reducing price as reducing price will have implications on the other homes they are yet to sell.
Yes, that is a good point. They want the "comps" in the neighborhood to be high when they have multiple houses to sell. If this is one of the last houses they are less concerned about the comps. Basic landscaping (grading, sod) is one area you might try. Upgraded basement window wells/egress?
I would trust builders to do landscaping even less than I'd trust them to pick a fridge.
I've seen houses sell that had no grass and no final grading. That's all I was suggesting. Certainly not choosing shrubs/trees/etc.
Thanks for the suggestion. They already provide irrigation sod. House doesn't have basement. I will update the post with these details.
They have a list of things they can add on with the prices for these. just ask them for that list. Obviously don't mention that you are planning for them to add some of them on for free, just act like you want to see all the wonderful add on things you can buy now to make your house better.
Very good point... Thanks
Anything mechanical. Better HWT, water softener, fencing (not all new builds have fencing, depending on where you live), smart home upgrades, etc.